Homily for Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time - Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

Readings: Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 20:1-16
Memorial: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church


Introduction 

A man once joked: “If God ran a business like this vineyard, He’d go bankrupt—paying the same to those who worked one hour and those who worked all day!” But the Kingdom of God is not a business. It is a family where love, mercy, and generosity—not strict fairness—set the rules.

The Word of God

  • Judges 9:6-15: The parable of the trees warns of false leadership. The fruitful trees refuse kingship, and the bramble—a destructive, thorny plant—becomes king. It shows what happens when good people do not step forward to serve.

  • Psalm 21: The true King is God, who blesses and strengthens His people.

  • Hebrews 4:12: God’s Word pierces our hearts, cutting away envy, selfishness, and pride.

  • Matthew 20:1-16: The parable of the workers shows God’s mercy: His Kingdom is not about calculating wages but receiving His grace.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard (1090–1153), the “Mellifluous Doctor,” lived this Gospel truth. He could have chosen comfort, influence, and personal success—but like the fruitful olive tree in Judges, he chose service instead. He entered the Cistercian order, revived monastic life, and became a guide for popes, kings, and ordinary believers.

Bernard is also remembered for his humility and his love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He understood that God’s grace cannot be earned but is freely given, just like the workers’ wages in the Gospel. He said:
“What we love, we shall grow to resemble. Let us love Jesus, and we shall grow to be like Him.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I, like the fruitful trees, sometimes avoid responsibility, leaving space for “brambles” to dominate?

  2. Do I fall into envy when others seem “blessed” more than me?

  3. Am I open to serving humbly, like Saint Bernard, for the good of God’s people?

Implications for the Jubilee Year and Synod

  • The Jubilee Year reminds us that God’s mercy cannot be bought or deserved. Like the last workers in the vineyard, we are all recipients of God’s grace.

  • The Synod on Synodality calls us to walk together in humble service, resisting ambition and envy, and choosing leadership that gives life—not like the bramble, but like Bernard who guided with wisdom and love.

Inspiration / Motivation

Saint Bernard’s words inspire us today:
“You will find more in the woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you what you cannot learn from masters.”
He reminds us that silence, prayer, and humility open us to the generous logic of God.

Final Thoughts

The bramble seeks power; the true servant seeks to bear fruit. The envious worker compares; the grateful disciple rejoices. God calls us to humility, to trust His generosity, and to walk the way of love, as Saint Bernard did.

Concluding Prayer

Lord, You are generous beyond measure. Free me from envy, pride, and selfish ambition. Make me a humble servant in Your vineyard, ready to rejoice in Your blessings. Through the prayers of Saint Bernard, may I learn to love You above all and serve Your people with joy.
Amen.

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